New 'Star Wars' film titled 'The Last Jedi,' Disney says

The next "Star Wars" movie will be called "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," movie studio Disney said on Monday, and will be released on Dec. 15.

The movie, the second in the newly-energized sci-fi film franchise that focuses on the original characters, will follow the further adventures of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher). It had previously been known only as "Episode VIII."

"We have the greatest fans in this or any other galaxy. In appreciation of the fans, we wanted them to be the first to know the title of the next chapter in the Skywalker saga: 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi', " Disney said in a statement.